In the ongoing COP28 climate change conference in Dubai, Kenya, along with other nations, has shown interest in advancing nuclear technologies as part of the global push for a rapid shift toward low-carbon energy.
Discussions at the conference this week include exploring new nuclear technologies, the role of youth, and the nuclear roadmap for addressing the world’s increasing energy demands.
Kenyan officials declared their readiness to harness nuclear power safely in vital areas such as energy, health, research, and security.
The United Nations-led talks have entered the second week, and amidst the call for zero-carbon energy solutions, various governments, including the United States and the UAE, are urging a collective commitment to tripling renewable energy by 2030 in the final COP28 resolutions scheduled for November 12.
Edward Mayaka, the Director for Partnerships and Public Awareness at the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA), expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to embrace nuclear safety.
He emphasized that with proper regulatory structures, collaborations with industry leaders, and continuous capacity building, Kenya is poised to follow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.
Mayaka highlighted the advantages of nuclear energy in addressing climate change, noting that nuclear power plants generate electricity with minimal direct carbon emissions.
He stated that this characteristic makes nuclear energy an appealing option for countries aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets.
The United States, UAE, and allied nations, including Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Canada, Chile, and Barbados, are rallying for a commitment to doubling the rate of energy efficiency by 2030.
The global renewable energy supply saw an 8% increase last year, accounting for 5.5% of the total global energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Despite relying heavily on hydroelectric power, especially in the Global South, Kenya aims to diversify its electricity sources.
The country’s energy capacity includes geothermal, hydro, wind, biomass, solar, and thermal sources.
Kenya envisions having its first nuclear power plant operational by 2035, joining the global trend towards nuclear renaissance.
Mayaka argued that nuclear power, being dispatchable unlike wind and solar, is a frontrunner in the push for renewables.
He noted a growing interest in nuclear energy in African countries, with Egypt already making strides in this direction.
With a focus on a just energy transition and an anti-fossil fuels campaign, COP28’s energy sector pavilion has been buzzing with activity.
Kenya sees nuclear power as a cost-effective and reliable option, crucial for developing nations seeking resilient energy infrastructures capable of withstanding the impacts of climate change.
As COP28 progresses into a critical phase, stakeholders eagerly await resolutions on the energy front.
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